As part of the EU-China Tourism Year, major TO's from across China were hosted in Europe on a fam tour this month.
The European Travel Commission (ETC), the European association of National Tourism Boards, in partnership with the European Tourism Association (ETOA) and several European destinations, hosted the first pan-European familiarisation trip to foster inbound tourism to the European Union from China on the occasion of the EU-China Tourism Year (ECTY).
From 8 March to 15 March 2018, 70 qualified tour operators from first and second tier cities across China -including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenyang, Jinan, Chongqing, Chengdu, Tianjin, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, Wuhan, Nanjing and Xiamen- had the opportunity to experience European destinations through and beyond its famous gateway cities.
The Chinese tour operators organised into seven clusters that followed simultaneously different transnational itineraries based on their singular interests and product portfolio.
These destination clusters included fifteen countries in the macro-regions of the Adriatic, the Balkans, the Baltic, Benelux and Central Europe.
The itineraries included visits to landmark cities, cultural and natural attractions and meetings with local business as well as experiences at lesser-known destinations that are easily accessed from those traditional gateways.
The programme commenced with the Partnerships in European Tourism (PET) conference and B2B workshop between tourism-related European companies and Chinese operators hosted by ETC, ETOA and the European Travel Agents’ and Tour Operators’ Association (ECTAA) in Berlin on 6 and 7 March.
Both initiatives the pan-European FAM trips and the Partnerships in European Tourism are part of the programme of activities prepared by the European Commission during the EU-China Tourism Year.
The ECTY aims to promote the European Union as a travel destination in China, provide opportunities to increase bilateral cooperation as well as mutual understanding and create an incentive to make progress on market opening and visa facilitation.
China is the world’s largest travel market in terms of both outbound travel and expenditure. European destinations have strengthened their position in this market, attaining 13.4 million Chinese arrivals in 2017, accounting for a share of 14% of all outbound travel from China.
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Showing posts with label chinese. Show all posts
Showing posts with label chinese. Show all posts
Wednesday, 28 March 2018
Wednesday, 16 March 2016
GUYANA: About Guyana
Capital: Georgetown
Size: 214,970 km²
Population: 729,500
Currency: Guyanese dollar
Language: English, and Amerindian languages
Visas: Not required by UK nationals.
Food: The blend of different national influences – Indian, African, Chinese, Creole, English, Portuguese, Amerindian, North American – gives a distinctive flavour to Guyanese cuisine. One well-known dish, traditional at Christmas, is pepper-pot, meat cooked in bitter cassava (casareep) juice with peppers and herbs.
Drink: Rum is the drink in Guyana.
Guyana is truly a wild frontier - a land of few roads, pristine forest and ecotourism opportunities aplenty. The coastal region is dominated by a mixture of coconut palms, calypso music, Dutch drainage systems, Hindu temples, rice and Demerara sugar. Leaving the sea behind, it is a land of waterfalls and rainforest, giving way to wildlife-rich savannas and isolated ranches.
The capital, Georgetown, is known as the Garden City of the Caribbean, despite being theoretically on the Atlantic. Built on a grid plan, the city has wide tree-lined avenue and canals following the layout of the old sugar estates. White-painted wooden 19th-century houses are raised on stilts, and flowering trees fill the streets. In the evening the sea wall is crowded with strollers and at Easter it is a mass of colourful kites.
The thinly populated interior is almost untouched and rivers are often the only way to get around. Highlights include Kaieteur Falls - almost five times the height of Niagara, with a single sheer drop of 226m - and Orinduik Falls, where the river pours over steps and terraces of jasper. Here, the backdrop of the grass-covered Pakaraima Mountains stretches westwards to the highest peak in Guyana - Mount Roraima - shared with Venezuela and Brazil.
To the north, Shell Beach is on a vast stretch of Atlantic coastline: 145km of protected nesting ground for leatherback, green, hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles. The remaining coast consists of mangrove swamps full of ibis, parrot, toucans, iguanas and, occasionally, river dolphins.
Size: 214,970 km²
Population: 729,500
Currency: Guyanese dollar
Language: English, and Amerindian languages
Visas: Not required by UK nationals.
Food: The blend of different national influences – Indian, African, Chinese, Creole, English, Portuguese, Amerindian, North American – gives a distinctive flavour to Guyanese cuisine. One well-known dish, traditional at Christmas, is pepper-pot, meat cooked in bitter cassava (casareep) juice with peppers and herbs.
Drink: Rum is the drink in Guyana.
Guyana is truly a wild frontier - a land of few roads, pristine forest and ecotourism opportunities aplenty. The coastal region is dominated by a mixture of coconut palms, calypso music, Dutch drainage systems, Hindu temples, rice and Demerara sugar. Leaving the sea behind, it is a land of waterfalls and rainforest, giving way to wildlife-rich savannas and isolated ranches.
The capital, Georgetown, is known as the Garden City of the Caribbean, despite being theoretically on the Atlantic. Built on a grid plan, the city has wide tree-lined avenue and canals following the layout of the old sugar estates. White-painted wooden 19th-century houses are raised on stilts, and flowering trees fill the streets. In the evening the sea wall is crowded with strollers and at Easter it is a mass of colourful kites.
The thinly populated interior is almost untouched and rivers are often the only way to get around. Highlights include Kaieteur Falls - almost five times the height of Niagara, with a single sheer drop of 226m - and Orinduik Falls, where the river pours over steps and terraces of jasper. Here, the backdrop of the grass-covered Pakaraima Mountains stretches westwards to the highest peak in Guyana - Mount Roraima - shared with Venezuela and Brazil.
To the north, Shell Beach is on a vast stretch of Atlantic coastline: 145km of protected nesting ground for leatherback, green, hawksbill and Olive Ridley turtles. The remaining coast consists of mangrove swamps full of ibis, parrot, toucans, iguanas and, occasionally, river dolphins.
Monday, 23 November 2015
MALI: American Woman Killed In Mali Terror Attack Was From Western Mass.
Malians woke up Saturday to a state of emergency after Friday's shocking assault on the Radisson Blu hotel in the capital, which a military commander said killed at least 20 people plus two assailants.
Special units of the armed forces of Mali, with the support of the French security services began to assault the building and pushed the attacking troops to the upper floors, where an intense battle continued.
The al-Qaida-claimed attack on a Mali hotel may have been partly aimed at asserting the global terror network's relevance as it faces an unprecedented challenge from the Islamic State group for leadership of the global jihadi movement.
The gunmen burst through the hotel security barrier at about 7:00 a.m. (0700 GMT) Friday on a auto with diplomatic plates, spraying gunfire and shouting "Allahu Akbar", ("God is great" in Arabic). More than 100 other hostages were rescued by Malian forces at the hotel in Bamako. The statement from the Al-Mourabitoun (The Sentinels) group said the assault was in co-operation with al-Qaida's "Sahara Emirate".
France, the former colonial power in Mali, intervened in the country in January 2013, when al-Qaeda-linked militants threatened to march on Bamako after taking control of the north of the country.
In the northern Mali regions of Timbuktu and Kidal, new leaflets were distributed on Saturday warning against collaboration with the Malian army, France and the United Nations peacekeeping mission, Sidati said.
The foreign victims included Russian, Chinese, Belgian, an American and a Senegalese nationals. At least one guest reported the attackers instructed him to recite verses from the Qur'an as proof of his Muslim faith before he was allowed to leave.
The attack may also be a way for al-Qaida and its allies to assert itself in the face of the highly publicized string of attacks carried out by its chief rival in jihad, the Islamic State group.
Russia's Foreign Ministry said six of its citizens died in the raid, while China's government said three Chinese were killed. "They have lost a lot of leaders in the last three years because of the French military intervention". During the assault two militants were killed.
Keita had been attending a security summit in Chad on Friday but returned to Mali and convened an emergency cabinet meeting.
"China will improve worldwide cooperation to crack down on terrorist activities that kill innocents and safeguard peace and stability of the world", Xi said.
"We believe that all African people will also strongly condemn and oppose the brutal crime", he said.
The lone American killed in Friday's terrorist attack in Mali was a native of western MA. Nothing changes in Mali.
Special units of the armed forces of Mali, with the support of the French security services began to assault the building and pushed the attacking troops to the upper floors, where an intense battle continued.
The al-Qaida-claimed attack on a Mali hotel may have been partly aimed at asserting the global terror network's relevance as it faces an unprecedented challenge from the Islamic State group for leadership of the global jihadi movement.
The gunmen burst through the hotel security barrier at about 7:00 a.m. (0700 GMT) Friday on a auto with diplomatic plates, spraying gunfire and shouting "Allahu Akbar", ("God is great" in Arabic). More than 100 other hostages were rescued by Malian forces at the hotel in Bamako. The statement from the Al-Mourabitoun (The Sentinels) group said the assault was in co-operation with al-Qaida's "Sahara Emirate".
France, the former colonial power in Mali, intervened in the country in January 2013, when al-Qaeda-linked militants threatened to march on Bamako after taking control of the north of the country.
In the northern Mali regions of Timbuktu and Kidal, new leaflets were distributed on Saturday warning against collaboration with the Malian army, France and the United Nations peacekeeping mission, Sidati said.
The foreign victims included Russian, Chinese, Belgian, an American and a Senegalese nationals. At least one guest reported the attackers instructed him to recite verses from the Qur'an as proof of his Muslim faith before he was allowed to leave.
The attack may also be a way for al-Qaida and its allies to assert itself in the face of the highly publicized string of attacks carried out by its chief rival in jihad, the Islamic State group.
Russia's Foreign Ministry said six of its citizens died in the raid, while China's government said three Chinese were killed. "They have lost a lot of leaders in the last three years because of the French military intervention". During the assault two militants were killed.
Keita had been attending a security summit in Chad on Friday but returned to Mali and convened an emergency cabinet meeting.
"China will improve worldwide cooperation to crack down on terrorist activities that kill innocents and safeguard peace and stability of the world", Xi said.
"We believe that all African people will also strongly condemn and oppose the brutal crime", he said.
The lone American killed in Friday's terrorist attack in Mali was a native of western MA. Nothing changes in Mali.
Tuesday, 3 November 2015
KENYA: Kenya Hopes To Attract 1m Chinese Tourists Annually
More Chinese tourists are expected to visit Kenya according to a senior tourism official. There are two essential reasons: the direct flights from mainland China to Kenya introduced recently and efforts put in to market the East African nation as a tourist destination.
According to Muriithi Ndegwa, managing director, Kenya Tourist Board, more and more Chinese tourists are contacting the local tour operators in China and tour marketers from Kenya who are based in China to enquire about planning a visit to the renowned Masai Mara National Park as well as other places in the country.
The board, responsible for promoting the East African nation as a tourist destination across territories, expects that the launch of direct flights by China Southern Airlines and increased activities of the local as well as international hotels in Kenya would drive a larger number of Chinese tourists into the country.
Ndegwa said that Chinese tourists in large numbers will visit the country because of China Southern Airlines’ enviable fantastic track record around the world. In August, China Southern Airlines introduced three weekly flights to Kenya. According to Ndegwa, the growth potential is very high because the number of outbound travelers from China is 110 million.
In order to showcase the different tour packages offered to travelers, Kenya held the Magical Kenya Travel Expo for the fifth time in October 2015 (from 15 to 17), hoping that it would attract at least 1% of the 110 million Chinese travelers annually.
Ndegwa added that the goal of the Expo was to bring to the attention of the Chinese tourists the varied attractions available at the 59 national game parks in the country. He added that Kenya’s safari product is known all over the world for its diversity. The Kenya Tourist Board official also said that facilities at the airport are being expanded in order to accommodate the increase in the arrival of international tourists.
In fact, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport located in Nairobi is being upgraded to handle as many as 20 million passengers annually. Additionally, the hotels are also being pushed to upgrade their facilities by the tourism authorities. For this purpose, a hotel grading system, including the creation of additional market segments within the tourism sector, has also been introduced. According to Ndegwa, a new system of pricing for national game reserves is also being planned to attract more premium visitors.
According to Muriithi Ndegwa, managing director, Kenya Tourist Board, more and more Chinese tourists are contacting the local tour operators in China and tour marketers from Kenya who are based in China to enquire about planning a visit to the renowned Masai Mara National Park as well as other places in the country.
The board, responsible for promoting the East African nation as a tourist destination across territories, expects that the launch of direct flights by China Southern Airlines and increased activities of the local as well as international hotels in Kenya would drive a larger number of Chinese tourists into the country.
Ndegwa said that Chinese tourists in large numbers will visit the country because of China Southern Airlines’ enviable fantastic track record around the world. In August, China Southern Airlines introduced three weekly flights to Kenya. According to Ndegwa, the growth potential is very high because the number of outbound travelers from China is 110 million.
In order to showcase the different tour packages offered to travelers, Kenya held the Magical Kenya Travel Expo for the fifth time in October 2015 (from 15 to 17), hoping that it would attract at least 1% of the 110 million Chinese travelers annually.
Ndegwa added that the goal of the Expo was to bring to the attention of the Chinese tourists the varied attractions available at the 59 national game parks in the country. He added that Kenya’s safari product is known all over the world for its diversity. The Kenya Tourist Board official also said that facilities at the airport are being expanded in order to accommodate the increase in the arrival of international tourists.
In fact, the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport located in Nairobi is being upgraded to handle as many as 20 million passengers annually. Additionally, the hotels are also being pushed to upgrade their facilities by the tourism authorities. For this purpose, a hotel grading system, including the creation of additional market segments within the tourism sector, has also been introduced. According to Ndegwa, a new system of pricing for national game reserves is also being planned to attract more premium visitors.
Sunday, 13 September 2015
Fried Cauliflower Rice
It has also brought Chinese fried rice, once relegated to the "comfort food" category, squarely into my weeknight meal rotation.
This recipe is a pretty direct riff off of our ultimate How To Make Fried Rice from the stir-fry queen, Grace Young. The biggest difference here is that you need to cover the pan and let the cauliflower rice steam for a few minutes before the dish is ready to be served. I also usually throw some thick-cut bacon into my stir-fry (and use the bacon grease for cooking!), although you could really use any leftover bits of chicken or pork you may have — or keep it vegetarian and add crispy pan-fried tofu instead.
As a fried rice look-alike, this dish can hold its own. The cauliflower is chewy and nubbly in all the right rice-like ways. Bits of egg and tender vegetables also make it a satisfying meal on its own. This still feels like comfort food to me — just comfort food that's sneaking a few more vegetables into my day!
Cauliflower Fried "Rice"
Serves 4 to 6
1 medium head cauliflower
1/2 pound (8 slices) thick-sliced bacon, optional
2 large eggs
1 tablespoon minced ginger
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 medium carrots, diced (about 1 cup)
1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
1/2 cup peas, fresh or frozen
4 green onions, thinly sliced
1/4 cup cashews, almonds, or other nut
2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or if gluten-free, 1 to 2 tablespoons tamari)
Cut the cauliflower into florets, discarding the tough inner core. Working in batches, pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it breaks down into rice-sized pieces. You should have 5 to 6 cups of cauliflower "rice."
Cook the bacon in a 12-inch skillet over medium heat until crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with a paper towel to drain. Once cooled, roughly chop into pieces. Drain off all but a teaspoon of bacon grease (or use 1 teaspoon vegetable oil), reserving the grease.
Place the pan back over medium-high heat. Whisk the eggs and pour them into the skillet. Quickly scramble the eggs or make an omelet. Transfer the eggs to a cutting board and roughly chop into pieces.
Wipe the skillet clean and warm 1 tablespoon of bacon grease or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ginger and garlic, and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the carrots and sauté until crisp-tender, 2 minutes. Stir the corn, peas, and cauliflower "rice" into the pan, mixing the ingredients thoroughly.
Lower the heat to medium, cover the pan, and cook until the cauliflower is tender, 5 to 8 minutes. Uncover and stir in the bacon, eggs, green onions, cashews, and 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Taste and add more soy sauce to taste. Serve immediately.
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